More Orientation...

Okay, well... some people (aka Holli) have instructed me to update my blog. Unfortunately, there is still not much going on. I'm settling in with my host family and getting used to Cardiff. I worked one shift at The Gate Community Art Center in my neighborhood. They have a cute little coffee shop in the Art Center that I'll be working at once a week or so. I've started going to a Small Group on Wednesday night, which has been a tremendous blessing. I look forward to it every week. The British trainees arrived today, so I met the rest of our team (there are 18 of us in all- 9 American and 9 British). And by the end of the week, I'll have an actual schedule!

Here's a funny story that will help you understand the community I'm working in: I was trying to get to Small Group this past Wednesday, but I was confused (like always) about which bus to get on. So I accidentally flagged down the 52 instead of the 57. I asked the bus driver, "Are you going towards ASDA?" (ASDA is the British Walmart). And he said, "No. You need to get on the 57 or 58." The bus drivers, and the people here in general, are really friendly and helpful. So I thanked him and stepped back to wait for the next bus. There was a guy standing behind me about my age and he said, "What's that accent? Are you Canadian?" "No, I'm from Texas." Naturally, he asked, "What are you doing here?" And I said, "Working at a church- Glenwood Church." He said, "PRAISE THE LORD!" So I responded, "Oh, you go to church?" And he laughed and shook his head and said, "No... I was just kidding." It was really funny! But also kind of sad because church just isn't part of most people's lives here. So I pray that as all 18 of us get more and more involved in the community, people would see that church isn't just a building that the older generation goes to every Sunday. I pray that they would begin wondering about faith and want to seek truth. And I pray that God will use our team to reach them.

Another random prayer request: It's about to get really dark and cold here. Depression is very real and prevelant. Please pray that God would protect us from this and comfort those who will experience it. I'm really not looking forward to the winter, but the temperature is dropping every day and night is coming earlier, so I guess winter is really going to happen.

And a more personal prayer request: I really miss my sister, Melanie. And I'm not just trying to be sweet. I wish that I didn't miss her like this (sorry, Mel). I'm so thankful that she has godly and loving roommates and that makes it easier. Please pray that we would both learn to thrive and enjoy life separately the way we do together.

Thank you guys for your prayers. :-)